1986 Yamaha TZR250T Solo Motorcycle

Description

Drawing on its rich competition heritage, Yamaha launched the TZR250 motorcycle in June 1986 as a road going derivative of the TZ250 racer. The TZR was initially powered by an all-new parallel twin, two-stroke engine with twin Mikuni 28mm carburettors and liquid cooling. Rated at 50 horsepower at 10,000 rpm, the motor featured Yamaha's patented Power Valve System (YPVS) that raised or lowered the exhaust port depending on the engine speed, opening at around 6,000 rpm and substantially boosting mid-range power. The gearbox was a close-ratio six-speeder and the lightweight alloy box-section frame (known as the Deltabox like Yamaha's racers), was more than capable of handling the TZR's power. All up the TZR250 weighed in at 144 kg fully fuelled and could top out at 200 km/h. The fairings and tank were finished in red and white graphics (or blue and yellow in some markets) and the Yamaha looked every inch the road going GP bike, with lot of nice details such as the alloy bars. The initial 2MA variant (and derivatives like the 2MY for markets like Australia) was succeeded by the reverse cylinder 3MA, followed by a V-twin 3XV and the model ultimately remained in production until 1996. Popular in markets like our own, where 250cc motorcycles were mandated for learner riders, the TZR250 has now earned true collector status and examples are keenly sought after today. The TZR250 was raced and Mat Oxley became the first rider to lap the Isle of Man course at more than 100 mph in 1987 on one.